Peltier Devices and Thermoelectric Power Generators

Thermoelectric couples are solid-state devices capable of generating electrical power from a temperature gradient, known as the Seebeck effect, or converting electrical energy into a temperature gradient, known as the Peltier effect.

A typical thermoelectric module is composed of two ceramic substrates that serve as a housing and electrical insulation for P-type and N-type (typically Bismuth Telluride) elements between the substrates. Heat is absorbed at the cold junction by electrons as they pass from a low energy level in the p-type element, to a higher energy level in the n-type element. At the hot junction, energy is expelled to a thermal sink as electrons move from a high energy element to a lower energy element. A module contains several P-N couples that are connected electrically in series and thermally in parallel.

To assist the thermal designer in modeling thermoelectric coolers or Peltier modules, C&R Techologies' tool suite provides built in routines for modeling either standard Bismuth Telluride coolers or modules manufactured from alternative semiconductor materials (in which case the user must provide the Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, and thermal conductivity). The routines allow SINDA/FLUINT to apply the appropriate source terms and internally adjust temperatures as needed in both steady state and transient simulations. The family of TEC routines provide the designer the ability to model single stage or multi-stage coolers, and calculate valuable sizing information regarding cooler performance.

The subroutine TEC1 provides simple 1D modeling methods for use in SINDA/FLUINT while the routine TEC2 provides 3D modeling of the device in SINDA/FLUINT and/or our CAD-based Thermal Desktop GUI.

Thermoelectric Resources

• C&R Technologies Publication: Modeling and Sizing a Thermoelectric Cooler within a Thermal Analyzer, J. Baumann (Aerospace Thermal Control Workshop 2006)

• A free online training presentation is available for Modeling Thermoelectric Coolers in Thermal Desktop

For more information on the theory and design of thermoelectric cooling devices, please visit the following web site.

• Peltier Device Information Directory

Customization and Consulting

C&R also provides consulting and custom software solutions to specifically meet your needs.